Students elected to ECPTS board

A trio of UCLan PaST undergraduates have been appointed to the Executive Board of the European Confederation for Physical Therapy Students (ECPTS).

Daniel Roberts (President), Ashleigh Nicholson (Secretary General) and Rachel O’Mahoney (Treasurer) were elected at the recent ECPTS General Assembly held at Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg.

The ECPTS aim to connect European Physiotherapy students with a view to creating and developing national Physical Therapy associations.

They also help to promote education, the profession and student values, along with working on the expansion of the ECPTS across Europe. Students also share knowledge and ideas and collaborate on international projects.

Daniel commented: "I'm responsible for working together with the Vice-Presidents to seek out new and exciting opportunities for ECPTS to get involved in. I liaise with other groups and professionals external to ECPTS to maintain and strengthen existing relationships that we have.

"I also work closely with other board members as to identify any problems in relation to the ECPTS and work towards finding solutions. Like the rest of the Executive Board, the President also looks for ways to raise the profile of ECPTS and help it to become more internationally recognised among students and professionals."

Course Leader Heather Stewart added: "Daniel, Ashleigh and Rachel are all enthusiastic about being part of this group, and finding out about physiotherapy across Europe. It’s a great achievement for all of them to have been elected to hold positions on the Executive Board for the next year, and it is fantastic representation for UCLan in Europe."

The new Executive Board are pictured above (from left to right): Dimos Petrou (Greece), Rachel, Ashleigh, Klára Kučerová (Czech Republic) & Daniel.

To find out more about the ECPTS please click here.

Students share physio knowledge at local schools

UCLan Physiotherapy undergraduates took time out from their studies to deliver teaching sessions at four local primary schools.

The second year students visited schools in Preston and Wigan to present one hour lessons to children aged 4-11 which showed them how to keep their skeletons healthy.

Pupils at Harris Primary School, Nateby Primary School and English Martyrs Catholic Primary School in Preston, and Woodfield Primary School in Wigan were taught the basic names of bones, how to better understand the human skeleton and build healthy bones, through to the understanding of osteoporosis and bone health in relation to posture.

The students covered topics such as anatomy, physiology, the benefits of physical activity and how to maximise bone health through diet and physical activity, as well as how to prevent osteoporosis. Lecturers Gill Rawlinson, Mandy Dunbar and Sara Fisher supervised the students during the visits.

Gill commented: "These visits provided a great opportunity for the students to raise awareness of the role of the physiotherapist, and help children learn more about how their bodies’ work and how they can stay healthy and prevent problems in later life.

"Despite some of the students being quite daunted by the challenge, they delivered excellent sessions which really helped them with their communication skills. The children were really enthusiastic and enjoyed getting the chance to explore the skeletons and anatomical models.

"I'd like to thank all of the primary schools for their help in organising these visits which provided us with a great opportunity to engage with our local community."

UCLan PaST graduate accepts Sports Motivator role

Sam Cadwallader hopes to use her love of sport to inspire others to get involved in physical activity, after being appointed as a Sports Motivator at UCLan.

Since graduating with a Sports Therapy degree in 2010 Sam has worked in a variety jobs at UCLan, but hopes her current role will allow her to make a real difference to students' lives.

"I work for UCLan Sports Arena, but I have a base in Harrington reception foyer which is the on-campus link between students and the Arena," said Sam.

"I plan to recruit a team of volunteers, to raise awareness of the Arena and increase student participation by running sessions and events for students to engage in."

Sam's progression into her current position is the result of a number of years of hard work, initially as an undergraduate before going on to work at both the Arena and Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.

She added: "I thoroughly enjoyed the Sports Therapy course. In particular I enjoyed the Spinal module taught by Karen May. Even though it was challenging and a very complex topic, it motivated me to want to learn more, helped by the fact that I enjoyed Karen's teaching style in particular.

"During my third year I studied part-time, enabling me the time and opportunity to work with Morecambe FC alongside their Physiotherapist. The experiences gained were invaluable and really developed me as a Sports Therapist.

"To learn and adapt my skills in the 'real world' outside a classroom environment played a huge part in my progression as a Sports Therapist and I'd hugely recommend students get as much hands on experience as possible.

"Being female in a male dominated environment was extremely challenging, but one that was enjoyable. Although I haven't gone on to pursue a career in Sports Therapy, I still have an interest in it. I own my own massage bed and often treat and advise family and friends.

"I'm extremely excited about my new role. The sports facilities available to students are fantastic and showcasing them is something I'm very passionate about."

Sam is looking for any enthusiastic students interested in volunteering and being involved in this opportunity - whether it's delivering sessions or promoting sport.

For further information please email Sam.

Allied Health team secure research funding

Staff from the Allied Health Research Unit are set to launch a new study project at Baskent University, Turkey.

Professor James Selfe and Dr Jessie Janssen have already conducted a UK study into the various different kinds of Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) which is a type of knee pain.

It is currently unclear what precise mechanisms cause discomfort in the knee, with recent research suggesting there are many different types of knee cap problems.

Their work with physiotherapy clinics to explore what combination of tests and questions can help to differentiate between different types of pain will help the researchers to develop better and more specific treatment.

Through £1,600 of Erasmus funding, Professor Selfe and Dr Janssen will train a team of physiotherapists in Turkey to carry out an intervention study to build on their existing UK project.

Professor Selfe said: "Our work in Turkey will allow us to assess outcome in subgroups of PFP patients and build on our previous UK-based feasibility study, where we were able to identify three separate sub-groups of patients who may require different types of treatment to each other."

In the last decade, musculoskeletal disorders have increased to become the greatest cause of disability among EU member states and are the second greatest cause of disability worldwide. PFP is a specific musculoskeletal disorder that can cause significant pain leading to limitations in societal participation and physical activity and is a condition commonly referred for physiotherapy.

It's anticipated the study will take around 18 months to complete, with results being published in 2016 or 2017.

Students help rugby team prepare for internationals

UCLan PaST students have been helping the Tongan Rugby Union team prepare for the forthcoming Autumn Internationals.

The squad spent three days at UCLan Sports Arena using its rugby pitches and strength and conditioning suite as part of a rigorous training schedule before facing Georgia on Saturday, 8 November.

The players took advantage of our Physiotherapy Clinic for sports massage treatment from our second and third year Sports Therapy students.

Tonga Head Coach Mana Otai commented: "Training is going really well and we're all feeling very positive. This is our first visit to Preston and the whole squad has been made to feel really welcome.

"We're very impressed with the facilities here at UCLan Sports Arena and will make the most of them as we prepare for our first Autumn International match next week."

If the three day training camp is a success Tonga will consider using UCLan as a base for next year's Rugby Union World Cup. It follows a series of other high profile international sports team visits when both the Irish and Fijian Rugby League teams used UCLan Sports Arena as a base camp during the Rugby League World Cup 2013.

UCLan also hosted several Olympic athletes from Oceania, including Tonga, as they prepared for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Bryan Jones from UCLan's Institute of Coaching and Performance said: "Tonga's visit is a legacy of the work we did with several Oceania countries in the build up to London 2012. Since then we've worked hard to develop this relationship and it’s fantastic that we're now able to host yet another international rugby team right here on campus.

"It's a great opportunity for students to see and work with professionals and hopefully we will welcome the squad again next year as they prepare for the World Cup."

In addition to the Georgia game, Tonga play the USA on Saturday, 15 November and Scotland on Saturday, 22 November.

Division presents research at Physiotherapy event

UCLan PaST staff, graduates and current students were out in force at a regional Physiotherapy Network Study event last weekend.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) hosted event at Chorley & South Ribble District General Hospital, Chorley, featured research presentations from Professor James Selfe and Dr Steven Lindley.

Dr Alison Chambers, former Dean of Academic Development and Employability at UCLan, also presented work conducted during her time in Preston, whilst UCLan was acknowledged in numerous other presentations.

UCLan PaST's Sara Fisher commented: "It was a very informative conference with a wide variety of speakers. There was plenty of interest around our stand for our CPD days and courses. It was an extremely successful day."

For more information about The CSP please click here.

Physio Clinic welcomes new team member

Verity Scholes' persistence during her time as a Sports Therapy undergraduate has paid off, as she becomes the newest member of the UCLan Physio Clinic team.

During her time as a student, Verity worked alongside many of the UCLan Sport teams and also completed two years of work experience at Fylde Rugby Club. She also enhanced her CV with a placement at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.

We advise all our students to gain as much practical experience as possible during their course, and Verity is a great example of someone who embraced this idea.

She said: "Between my second and third year at UCLan I travelled to New Zealand where I undertook a six week voluntary internship. I worked closely with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists and Specialist Teachers in the treatment and management of students aged 14-21, all with a variety of disabilities.

"This involved rehabilitation, massage and setting and adapting individual treatment plans, hydrotherapy and riding therapy. A wide range of communication techniques were also needed in order to communicate with the students due to varying levels of disabilities."

Verity also attended the London 2012 Olympics as a Medical Volunteer Games Maker. Based at the Olympic Park Common Domain she worked as a First Responder to members of the public, staff and athletes.

"My work included the main athletics arena, basketball dome and velodrome. Over the three weeks spent there I covered a wide variety of injuries and other medical requirements.

"I've also gained experience at Headley Court, Surrey. Here I worked alongside the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation teams as part of the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Unit (DMRU).

"I assisted amputee soldiers in their rehabilitation and physical therapy interventions in order to progress them onto the use of prosthetics, where appropriate. I completed a large amount of Hydrotherapy throughout my time there.

"I've since been back to support Headley Court's 'Team True Spirit' through UK Ironman and continue to have a good relationship with them, offering support at various sporting events.

Since graduating and becoming a member of the Society of Sports Therapists, Verity has worked as a member of the medical team at Wharfedale Rugby Union Club, and also treated clients on a private basis, both mobile and clinic based.

Through building a strong work relationship with the management of Reebok Crossfit Spectrum, Preston, Verity has been able to set up a clinic room there and continues to use the gym as a rehabilitation base.

UCLan PaST would like to congratulate Verity on her appointment to the Physio Clinic team.

Physiotherapy trio support kids charity holiday

Kelly, Mandy & Andy

UCLan PaST Lecturer Mandy Dunbar is heading to Florida as part of a charity holiday for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Mandy will accompany third year students Andy Horn and Kelly Dixon to the USA, as they support the children during their once-in-a-lifetime trip.

They will join two other Physiotherapists and ten nursing students from Universities across the North West.

The trio have spent the past few weeks undertaking training for the trip, meeting the children and their families and attended a number of planning events and discussions.

Mandy said: "The children we're supporting have lives which are usually defined by and dominated by their condition. Not this week! We are there to help that fade away.

"We're going to be treating the conditions and making sure the children remain well, but that's just so we can focus on the fun part. I'm really looking forward to seeing the children blossom.

"Just meeting someone else in the same position as you and has the same condition can be such a relief. Imagine doing that with Mickey Mouse looking over your shoulder!"

The holiday has been organised by the Destination Florida charity, and includes visits to five theme parks in seven days. Approximately 80 children will make the trip, with nearly 200 support staff alongside them.

Andy commented: "I can't wait to help the kids BE kids for a week, forget about their worries and focus on being children rather than sick children."

Kelly, who also volunteers with a group providing sporting activities for children with disabilities, added: "The children get so much from it. I wanted to see that on a bigger scale and see what could be achieved over the course of a week. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to develop my leadership skills and gain confidence too."

For more details about Destination Florida please click here.

Biomechanics Professor joins Science Festival

Professor Jim Richards is set to showcase his work at the prestigious Manchester Science Festival.

Professor Richards will discuss how biomechanics can be used to develop and assess sport and sports rehabilitation equipment in order to get injured athletes up and running again.

He will also demonstrate how scientists are working with the manufacturers of specialist rehabilitation equipment to conduct independent biomechanical and clinical testing to scientifically test manufacturers' product claims and to develop new and better kit.

The event takes place at Manchester Metropolitan University on Thursday, 23 October, 6.30 - 8pm. For more information please click here.

Scandinavian invite for UCLan PaST Professor

Professor James Selfe will be a keynote speaker at a prestigious anniversary seminar in Finland during October.

The physiotherapy team at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Pori, have invited Professor Selfe to present at their event which will celebrate 20 years of English language physiotherapy education at SAMK.

The programme is the only one of its kind in Scandinavia and was set up in 1994 to address the large number of graduates who left Finland to work in English speaking countries. Professor Selfe is the only native English speaker to teach on the programme each year it has run.

His teaching has focused on Musculoskeletal physiotherapy, in particular his specialist area of Patellofemoral Dysfunction (knee cap problems) and Spinal Mobilisation techniques. In conjunction with colleagues from SAMK, Professor Selfe has also conducted collaborative research and had numerous peer-reviewed papers published.

The event takes place on Monday, 13 October.

Career opportunities

Physio.co.uk are a private physiotherapy practice with clinics in both Liverpool and Manchester and currently have vacancies for two junior physiotherapy positions.

The roles will be a mix between working with clients in clinic, in the community, in an inpatient hospital rehabilitation ward and in a specialist head injury rehabilitation unit.

The company has 10 clinic locations in Manchester and Liverpool and is growing quickly. This means there are lots of opportunities for personal development and progression.

For more information please click here.

Karen May graduation message

Lecturer to tackle charity challenge

UCLan PaST's Ian Tootill is set to take part in a mammoth charity challenge.

Ian and a group of friends will tackle seven events over nine months in memory of a friend's mum who recently passed away after a long struggle with cancer.

The group have targeted raising £15,000 for The Christie Charitible Fund.

Full details on the challenge can be found here and to make a donation please click here.

UCLan Past supports Health Mela

Dan with 2nd year student Ellie Newby

UCLan PaST undergraduates took part in the hugely successful Preston Health Mela 2014 held at the Guild Hall earlier this month.

First year student and Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) representative Dan Roberts led the group who promoted the CSP's 'Physiotherapy Works' campaign at the event.

The students provided visitors to the Mela, a Sanskrit word for gathering, with evidence that physiotherapy helps with a wide range of conditions.

"I took to asking people on the day what was the first thing they thought when they heard physiotherapy, and, of course, most people related it to sport," said Dan.

"It was really about educating people that physiotherapy can offer a lot more than that."

His advice to physiotherapy students is this type of public engagement can help develop good communication skills, and is a useful addition to placements.

"Continuing professional development is being pushed at the moment, and this type of activity is something students can add to their portfolio. When it comes to graduation and interviews, it's good for us to speak about and reflect on what we've learned from this kind of experience."

The Mela was organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing and sponsored by organisations including local councils and NHS trusts.

More pictures from the event (courtesy of Keith Byers) can be viewed here.

Roller Girls complete charity challenge

UCLan PaST Lecturer Mandy Dunbar and the Preston Roller Girls completed their charity roller-skating challenge in style at the sun-soaked UCLan Sports Arena last Saturday.

The girls skated 874 miles - the distance between Land's End and John O'Groats - in just over five hours in aid of St Catherine's Hospice and Preston's Space Centre.

Nearly £1,700 has been raised so far and the girls are hoping further donations will take this through the £2,000 barrier. More details of how to donate can be found here.

UCLan Roller Girl's wheely big challenge

UCLan PaST Lecturer Mandy Dunbar is set to take part in a unique charity roller-skating challenge.

Mandy will join her teammates from the Preston Roller Girls in an attempt to skate the distance between Land's End and John O'Groats to raise money for St Catherine's Hospice and Preston's Space Centre.

The club has set themselves the challenge of skating 874 miles around UCLan Sports Arena cycle track in just one day. Splitting the distance between the members taking part, it means each Roller Girl will skate approximately 30 miles at the event, which takes place on Saturday May 17th.

Mandy, who goes by the skater name Mandible Lecture, said: "We took part in a skater marathon last year and everyone really enjoyed it - we wanted to do something similar this year and after a discussion decided the distance between Land's End and John O'Groats was a suitably tough challenge which people would recognise and relate to.

"We were very keen that the event supported two local charities - as a group we've developed a lot in recent years and wouldn't have been able to do that without the great support of people locally, so wanted this to be our way of giving something back.

"We asked for nominations from members and compiled a short-list - St Catherine's and Space Centre came out with the most votes. It was clear that a lot of our team had been touched by the work of the hospice through the experiences of family and friends."

Mandy admitted the challenge was going to be 'tough' - but said their team spirit and motivation to succeed for the charities involved would keep them going.

"The distance involved is a little daunting!" she said. "But we're all very excited and will urge each other on and help each other out. The more experienced skaters will probably end up covering a bit more, but between us we'll get there! There's bound to be a few wobbly legs that evening, but it should be a fantastic day and it will all be worthwhile.

"Roller Derby is a very athletic, tough sport - people call it 'rugby on roller-skates!' We all love the physicality and the inclusivity of it, with everyone playing their different role within the team. We know this team spirit will come into play on the day and should help us raise vital funds for two great local causes."

Emma Jacovelli, fundraiser at St Catherine's Hospice, praised the team for their unusual stunt, and said: "Our wonderful supporters do all sorts of fun sponsored events in aid of the hospice - a sponsored skate on this scale is certainly one of the more unusual challenges!

"We're so grateful to the Preston Roller Girls for taking this on in aid of the hospice and wish them lots of luck on the day. The funds raised will help us deliver our specialised care and support to those affected by life-shortening conditions in Central Lancashire - helping them to enjoy quality of life, and have dignity in death."

For more details of how to sponsor the Preston Roller Girls for the challenge please click here.

So you want to be a Physiotherapist?

Current undergraduate Jessica Large has kindly provided some feedback about her life as a UCLan Physiotherapy student:

"My days generally take two different forms. In university I have lectures or practical sessions to teach and develop the skills needed to become a physiotherapist. These are sometimes quite hard to get your head around, but our tutors are always there to help and the cohort makes it fun.

"All of this prepares us for the other aspect of learning which are the clinical placements. This is where things really start to click and fit into place with the everything you've learned. You develop clinical reasoning from treating patients, and I can honestly say you start to feel like a physiotherapist and not just a student by the end of it.

"Every day is different and on placement you'll see things you didn't expect to see or that fit into the physiotherapist box. You're forever learning, and this will carry on as you become qualified and drop the student title."

Graham's clinic blossoms

Our programmes offer a route into many varied careers within Sports Therapy.

Graham Theobald progressed through our Foundation route to secure a First Class honours degree and now runs his own Sports Injury & Rehabilitation Clinic. He recently shared his experiences with current undergraduates.

"I initially studied Health and Social Care at UCLan, but decided it wasn't for me. I enrolled on the Sports Therapy course and focused hard on achieving my goal of having my own clinic.

"Long before I graduated I designed a working values-based clinical model and secured finance with an in-depth business plan. The clinic opened a week after I completed my course and six years later we have around 4,000 clients."

Graham also undertakes significant amounts of research work, and believes it's important for Sports Therapists to gain an understanding of different types of injuries.

"It's crucial to know your sports, to experience them and understand the different types of mechanisms involved. You've also got to have a passion for what you do, work hard and be reliable – clients may sometimes be late, but you never should be."

Graham spends time working with elite cyclists and is currently working towards his MPhil/PhD award. He also hopes to open a second clinic within the next 18 months.

Elite dreams for Kristian

UCLan Sports Therapy Alumni Kristian Weaver dreams of working with athletes at the highest possible level.

The 2009 graduate spent the majority of his time at UCLan gaining as much industry experience as he could in order to achieve that dream.

Kristian recently took part in the UCLan Sports Therapy Alumni Day to share his experiences with current undergraduates.

"I loved being at UCLan, but made sure I gave up as much of my time as I could to create contacts which prove useful in the future," said Kristian.

"I worked with a professional basketball team in Liverpool before securing a role at Everton FC Academy. I also worked with a Women's Rugby team and after graduating I secured a travel scholarship to work in Canada. I had some amazing experiences working in American Football and Ice Hockey in front of some really big crowds."

After returning to the UK Kristian resumed his role at Everton, while also gaining a one-year contract at a Birmingham school where he looked after 20 national and international athletes. The project, run by the Society of Sports Therapists and Youth Sport Trust, was eventually extended to three years and although funding finally ended the school still use Kristian's services.

Kristian has also worked with talented gymnasts, assisted teachers in PE & dance and expanded his football experience with Birmingham City FC Academy. After returning to the Wirral, Kristian decided to undertake a Master's and has secured a role as an Associate Lecturer at UCLan.

He has also established his own business – Kristian Weaver Sports Performance – and recently travelled back to Canada to work with the England U14 ice hockey team. Kristian says students looking to progress in the industry should concentrate on making their own opportunities.

Kristian added: "Don't let anything pass you by. When you first start off you'll do a lot of voluntary roles and shifts that no-one else wants to do. Make sure you build a working relationship with the people you treat and communicate with them. Ask lots of questions and you won't go far wrong."

So you want to be a Sports Therapist?

Final year undergraduate Ben Oliver took time away from his busy schedule to give an insight into his life as a UCLan Sports Therapy student:

"As a third year student my life is fairly hectic. Although I'm not in university for a great amount of time this year, I'm kept busy seven days a week with private study, dissertation research, placements and work.

"My typical week consists of placement at Preston North End on a Monday and Wednesday, university for lectures, clinic sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday, placement at Macclesfield Town on Fridays and working at Marks and Spencer on a Saturday and Sunday.

"On placement I do a lot of sports massage and rehabilitation sessions and I also do warm ups for the youth team at North End. It takes a huge amount of commitment and sacrificing my social life, but it's well worth the effort.

"My dissertation topic is researching the effects of cryotherapy on knee joint position sense. We are utilising the 3D motion cameras in order to track the exact movements that people make during a functional knee bend before and after the application of ice. I have thoroughly enjoyed researching the topic and it's inspired me to think about starting a Master's by Research in the future.

Numbers game pays off for Sports Therapy graduate

After graduating from our programme in 2011, Rob Lang was unsure what his next step would be.

Under the guidance of Division Lead Karen May, Rob continued to gain work experience with Wharfedale RUFC before deciding to undertake a Master's in Sports Medicine.

He completed this in September 2012 and began applying for positions related to Sports Therapy. We spoke to Rob to find out more: "I was incredibly lucky to be asked to attend an interview at 'The Sports Injury Clinic' just hours after completing my Master's. Within a fortnight I was running my own clinic in Newmarket. This was a fairly big shock, as I really didn't expect to get a job for a few months.

"I've focused on improving my clinical skills, but I think it's less obvious how you may improve in other areas such as people or organisational skills. I now organise races for different clubs and I'm the Race Director for the Sports Relief mile, 5K and 10K in Newmarket.

"I run free drop in clinics for my clinic, Waitrose, Tesco and the local CrossFit gym, which is a great way of improving confidence in your own ability as you're put on the spot in front of a lot of people.

"I initially averaged 24 clients a week for the first six months, but was told I should aim for at least 35. I sat down and put together a few ideas on how I could increase my numbers and began putting on deals, giving away vouchers and handing out leaflets to everyone.

"Along with another therapist we decided to allocate three hours after work on the first Wednesday of every month to give free 15 minute consultations to anyone who wanted one in the centre.

"Some people came wanting to book in, while others simply wanted free advice, but all the time people were seeing and talking about the clinic. I decided to contact Waitrose and Tesco to offer the same idea to their staff on a quarterly basis.

"This is a little tougher as the workers are a little unsure and are sometimes put off by the name 'The Sports Injury Clinic'. If they don't do sport they tend to ignore us, but I'll treat anyone with an injury whether it's sporty or not.

"I've also teamed up with another contact and offered the same idea to a local CrossFit gym. We now see nearly a third of their members. On top of this my I now see roughly 45 patients per week at the clinic.

"I'd advise anyone looking to get into the industry to be prepared to leave your comfort zone once in a while - it can really pay off. Patient recommendations are the best way to increase your numbers, so make sure you properly look after the ones you have."

Variety the spice of life for Jill

Our graduates are equipped to pursue careers across numerous disciplines throughout the Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy industries.

Since graduating Jill Alexander has worked in variety of sports including rugby, football and athletics.

She recently shared her experiences with current undergraduates at the UCLan Sports Therapy Alumni Day.

"During my degree I did loads of volunteering in order to gain as much 'pitchside experience' as possible. In my final year I did my dissertation looking at cryotherapy in sport and ended up applying for a summer internship as a research assistant at UCLan.

"I subsequently completed a Master's by Research, looking at athletic taping on the asymmetric postures of female equine riders during sitting trot. It's a flexible area of study, as you can do full-time or part-time supported by outside work. I didn't really want to go down the Physiotherapy route on a full-time basis as I wanted to do something which hadn't been done before.

"I'm now employed as a clinical researcher for the Allied Health Professions Research Unit within SSTO. I also work for Wharfedale RUFC and have my own business where I look after different types of runners and dancers. I see about 15 clients per week and this allows me time to focus on my research work which I find so rewarding."

In conjunction with Professor James Selfe, Karen May and Dr Sarah Hobbs, Jill has also helped to establish links between UCLan and Myerscough College in the field of equine research, and recently coordinated a landmark cryotherapy study with Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club.

Hard work reaps rewards for graduate

Our graduates pursue careers across a variety of disciplines throughout the Sports Therapy industry.

Lewis Hiney graduated in 2013 and has progressed from a voluntary role with Preston North End FC into a full-time position with the club.

He has also set up Preston Sports Clinic based at CrossFit Spectrum Gym, where he regularly offers injury assessments and rehabilitation services to clients.

Lewis recently returned to UCLan to share his experiences with current undergraduates: "I did some work experience at Deepdale, before being offered a full-time season internship contract.

"I assist the Head Physio in assessment of injuries, massage and rehabilitation. I also help with matchday preparation for the reserves and youth team. In addition to this I set up Preston Sports Clinic and I also offer mobile Sports Therapy to the general public.

"It's hard work when you're trying to establish yourself, so it's important to promote yourself via social media and by word of mouth."

Lewis hopes to continue to develop his practice and has targeted a return to UCLan in the future to undertake a Master's in Physiotherapy. He believes Continual Personal Development is the key to success.

"I'd advise anyone looking to get into the industry to read as much as you can after graduating, so you remain as safe and effective as you possibly can. It's crucial to be confident as well – if you put people at ease, they'll have confidence in what you do and be happy to return in the future."

First year students support Rugby 7's tournament

First year undergraduates from UCLan's Division of Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy provided support at the Kukri Fylde 7's competition.

The students supported Doctors and UClan Alumni Megan Furey with First Aid coverage for the two day event.

The tournament attracted 23 teams from schools and colleges from across the UK to Fylde's Woodlands venue.

Biomechanics of the Knee - Osteoarthritis (OA) with Professor Jim Richards

Students support St Helens 10K Run

Undergraduates from UCLan's Division of Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy provided event support at the St Helens 10K Run 2014.

Supervised by UCLan's Greg Littler, three first year & two final year students treated club runners, amputee runners and social runners with pre and post-race massage throughout the day.

The group offered their services for free, with all donations they received going straight to the Steve Prescott Foundation.

Biomechanics of the Knee: ACL - with Professor Jim Richards

Students support BBC's Sport Relief event

A team of UCLan Sports Therapy students have been supporting the BBC's Sport Relief fund-raising efforts.

Division Lead Karen May and Greg Littler from the UCLan Physiotherapy Clinic took the group to MediaCity, Manchester following a request from the BBC.

Karen was delighted to accept the invitation: "Shirley Benson, one of the producers behind Sports Relief, contacted me asking if we would be interested in supporting their event 'BBC Radio around the World'.

"Essentially they were encouraging staff to run either outside around Salford Quays or inside on a treadmill to raise money for Sport Relief. It's really important our students get as much varied work experience as possible and they love the hands on treatment opportunities like this bring them.

"A number of our final year students jumped at the chance and names were randomly selected. The four students chosen did a mixture of sports massage, taping and gave advice to the runners throughout the day.

"They were a credit to themselves, their course and the University as a whole, offering a very professional service."

The group ended the day by running their own mile on the treadmill, before taking a tour around the iconic MediaCity building, where they took the chance to sit in the hot seats of Breakfast News and Match of the Day.

For more about this weekend's BBC Sport Relief activities please click here.

Sports Therapy Alumni Day 2014

The Division of Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy recently staged our annual Sports Therapy Alumni Day.

Undergraduates were treated to a variety of guest speakers from The Society of Sports Therapists and UCLan's Careers and Employability service.

Four of the Division's Alumni also came along to share their experiences since graduating.

Lewis Hiney, Jill Alexander, Kristian Weaver and Graham Theobold delivered presentations detailing their journey from undergraduate study into the world at large.

Division Leader Karen May was delighted with the event: "It's a really important day for our students to have an input from people from different backgrounds.

"People come in with the idea they want to be a Sports Therapist for Manchester United, but not everyone ends up working in professional sport.

"This event is about broadening horizons and having a look at what else is out there and getting different ideas of ways they can use their degree, both within UCLan at postgraduate level and also in the industry as a whole."